Mac OS X enables you to quickly locate files on your Mac by entering the filename (or part of the name) in an application called Spotlight. What Spotlight does is run a low-level application on your system that constantly catalogues the files you add and remove to your computer. When you need to find a particular digital photo, simply enter the name and your system already knows where it is located. Instant result.

Windows on the other hand has to search through your entire computer - from scratch - if you want to find a particular file. This takes ages. Luckily there are a number of third-party applications that enable you to search, instantly. Google Desktop is one solution, but isn't the best available. Copernic Desktop Search 2.0 was released recently and that gives you the option of an instant search, but also a new function where you can quickly enter the name of your file through an application within your System Tray.

Be aware that Copernic Desktop Search and Google Desktop need to spend time processing the files and data on your computer, to build their initial database. Anyway, let us know which one you prefer or the alternatives available.

25 Sep 2006